【Drive Trip】Enjoy a sandwich and iced coffee at the "Fuji River Drive-In," rich in Showa ambiance.

As an adult, I am drawn to charming diners and drive-ins that exude the atmosphere of the Showa era. I visited the popular Fujikawa Drive-In located in Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture.

The Fuji River Drive-In, popular for its subdued atmosphere

is a restaurant located in Fujikawacho, Yamanashi Prefecture. I found photos of the interior on Google Maps and was drawn to its ambiance, so I decided to visit.

I arrived after 9:30 AM when it was supposed to be open, but it didn't seem to be open. Just as I was wondering, "Is it closed today?", I noticed the door suddenly opened a few minutes later. When I called out to the staff, a cheerful voice responded, "Please come in!" so I decided to enter.

Inside, just as I had seen in the photos, it's a subdued atmosphere that I like. The kind-looking owner, dressed in a white work outfit, brought over the menu and barley tea.

The handwritten menu has a wide variety of options, featuring mainly set meals as well as light snacks and side dishes like those found in a coffee shop. When I researched online, many people were ordering set meals, but since it was still morning, I opted for the light snack menu items: a sandwich (500 yen) and iced coffee (300 yen).

Since I received permission to take photos when I ordered, I took some pictures of the interior while waiting for my meal. The quiet interior was filled with the sound of a television announcer and the sounds of cooking. The wallpaper and faded posters that convey a sense of history also add to the pleasant atmosphere.

A handmade sandwich and iced coffee have arrived. The healthy sandwich with vegetables and egg has quite a volume. The crisp vegetables are delicious, and the tangy finish with mayonnaise and mustard can be enjoyed while savoring the leisurely atmosphere of a weekday morning.

When I spoke briefly with the owner about the state of the shop, he mentioned that there used to be many truck driver customers, but recently there have been fewer truck drivers. Currently, tourists heading to Minobu and those on tours and drives are visiting the shop. After 59 years since the shop started, he cheerfully said, "In one year, it'll be 60 years!" and his positive attitude about continuing the business gave me a sense of energy.

Fujikawa Drive-In
Location: 4861 Kashizawa, Fujikawa-cho, Minami-Koma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
TEL: 0556-27-0128
Business Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Closed: Sundays

A morning market, sacred sites, and day-use hot springs make for a nice stroll around the Fujikawa area while traveling.

Next to the shop, there is a museum called "Fujikawa-cho Historical and Cultural Museum - Salt Blossom," and a regular morning market called "Yorimichi Market" is held in the parking lot. Local vegetables, processed goods, and side dishes are said to be sold there. It might be a good idea to stop by in addition to visiting the drive-in.

In Fuji River Town, at the Historical Cultural Museum of Shio no Hana, there is a vending machine designed with "Yuru Camp△" that features character designs from the movie version, depicting "Nadeshiko Kagamihara" and "Rin Shima" as working adults. It's a spot that fans will want to check out.

If you drive about 5 minutes from the shop towards the Oyanagigawa Valley, you'll find a day-use hot spring called "Kajika no Yu." You'll see it right away as you run along the peaceful Oyanagigawa, passing picturesque rural landscapes, but unfortunately, it was closed on this day (Thursday). If it were open, it would be the perfect place to wash away the sweat from touring or driving.

In the serene scenery of Fuji River Town, there's a Showa-era drive-in run by a kind owner. Nearby, there are hot springs and tourist spots, making it an ideal location for touring, driving, and a pilgrimage to anime sacred sites. Those who are interested should consider visiting Fuji River Town.

Written and reported by Kazuma Tanaka

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